The Los Angeles Chargers have one preseason game left before roster cuts, and the shape of the 53 is coming into focus. Some jobs are still up for grabs on the fringes, but the core is clear, and Harbaugh’s blueprint is already on display.
Los Angeles Chargers 53-Man Roster
Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, Trey Lance
The Bolts roll with two. Herbert is the obvious lock, and Lance has done just enough in preseason to claim the backup job. The room is thinner than most, but roster flexibility elsewhere makes it work.
Running Back (4): Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins
Najee has been sidelined but should be the 1b to Hampton’s 1a. Hampton has been steady as a rookie, Vidal has flashed vision and burst, and Haskins sticks for his short-yardage ability and special teams value. Raheim Sanders misses the cut for now.
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Fullback (1*) Scott Matlock
Matlock makes it due to his versatility and the need for a fullback in the Greg Roman offense.
Wide Receiver (6): Keenan Allen, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Derius Davis
This group is versatile. Allen returns and looks to reclaim his spot as Herbert’s go-to, McConkey already looks like a high-volume target, and Johnston holds a key role despite inconsistency. Tre’ Harris has earned his spot as a top pick. Lambert-Smith edges out Brenden Rice. Davis stays as a returner and gadget option.
Tight End (3): Tyler Conklin, Will Dissly, Oronde Gadsden II
Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers stick with three. Conklin is the steady veteran, Dissly provides blocking muscle, and Gadsden II adds a unique receiving element. Tucker Fisk has impressed as a blocker but just misses the cut.
Offensive line (9): Joe Alt, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Trey Pipkins, Jamaree Salyer, Andre James, Branson Taylor, Corey Stewart
This is a powerful, versatile unit—but it still feels one piece short. The Chargers could add a tackle from outside the roster before Week 1.
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For now, Stewart and Taylor round out the depth, but don’t be surprised if one is replaced by a veteran.
Defensive Line (6): Teair Tart, Otito Ogbonnia, Da’Shawn Hand, Naquan Jones, Justin Eboigbe, Scott Matlock
This group has size and rotation depth. Tart plugs the middle, Ogbonnia continues to develop, and Matlock fits Harbaugh’s brand of physical football. Jones is on the bubble but sneaks in for now. Nesta Jade Silvera is the odd man out.
EDGE (5): Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Caleb Murphy, Kyle Kennard
Mack and Tuipulotu headline the group for the Los Angeles Chargers, Dupree is the experienced rotation piece, and Murphy has earned buzz with steady camp play. Kennard grabs the last spot with effort and versatility.
Depth here looks solid, but the Bolts will need younger production behind Mack.
Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Troy Dye, Marlowe Wax
Perryman’s leadership is crucial. Colson has been up and down but stays in the mix, Henley’s athleticism helps on passing downs, and Dye contributes heavily on special teams. Wax makes it after standing out in camp.
Depth is young, but promising.
Cornerback (5): Donte Jackson, Cam Hart, Deane Leonard, Ja’Sir Taylor, Tarheeb Still
The Chargers trim to five. Jackson and Hart headline the outside, Leonard is reliable depth, and Taylor and Still are both nickel options.
Safety (5): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Elijah Molden, R.J. Mickens, Tony Jefferson
Safety is the deepest room on defense. James moves all over, Gilman stays steady, Molden can flex into nickel, and Mickens’ strong preseason locks him in. Jefferson makes it as the veteran stabilizer.
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Cutting here would’ve been tough.
Special teams (3): Cameron Dicker, J.K. Scott, Josh Harris
No drama here. Dicker stays sharp, Scott continues to flip fields, and Harris is steady at long snapper.